Requirements to obtain the international license
To get one international license if you drive, it is first essential that you have a valid and current national license issued by your country. This document must be in order for the international license to be accepted.
In addition to the national license, you will need to gather certain specific documents and recent photographs to complete the process. These requirements may vary slightly depending on the country where you apply.
Valid national driver's license
The basis for obtaining an international license is to have one national license current and valid. This license should not be close to expiring, as it could prevent the granting of the international permit.
For example, in the United States it is common for the license to be valid for at least six months to be able to process the International Driving Permit.
Necessary documents and photographs
The application usually requires some important documents such as filling out forms, recent passport-sized photographs and a copy of the national license.
In many countries it is also necessary to make a payment for the procedure, and the photographs must meet certain standards, such as being signed by the applicant in some cases.
Procedure to request the international license
Request the international license it may vary depending on the country, but follows a general process that involves filling out forms and submitting official documents. It is important to know the steps in your place of residence.
This procedure ensures that your license is internationally recognized and allows you to drive legally in other countries, facilitating your trips and stays abroad.
Application in the United States through the AAA
In the United States, you can apply for an international license at American Automobile Association (AAA). The process includes filling out a form available in their offices or online.
You will also need to submit two signed passport-sized photographs, present a copy of both sides of your state license, and pay a $20 USD fee to complete the process.
This permit is an official translation that facilitates driving in more than 150 countries and is generally valid for one year.
Application in Chile through the Automobile Club of Chile
In Chile, the international license is obtained through Automobile Club of Chile. You need to present a passport-sized photograph and your current national license to start the process.
The service costs approximately $40,000 CLP and the process is quick, granting you a valid permit to drive abroad for one year.
It is essential that you always also carry your Chilean license along with the international one to comply with current regulations.
Validity and use of the international license
The international license driving is generally valid for a maximum period of one year from issuance. This duration may vary depending on the expiration date of your national license.
It is crucial to know the validity to ensure that you use it throughout the trip, avoiding legal inconveniences or difficulties when driving abroad.
Duration of the international license
The international license is generally valid for up to one year. However, if your national license expires earlier, the international license will also expire on that date.
This means that you must process the international license when your national license is valid for a sufficient time to cover the duration of the international permit.
You should keep in mind that some countries may have specific standards, but the one-year standard is the most common for most international licenses.
Joint use with the national license
The international license does not replace the national license; both must be maintained and carried together while driving abroad. It is an important legal requirement.
The national license certifies that you are authorized to drive in your country, while the international license translates and validates that permit for other countries.
Failure to carry both licenses could result in fines or legal problems if you are stopped while driving outside your home country.
Tips for traveling abroad with an international license
Before embarking on a trip, it is essential to verify the validity give your international license to avoid legal inconveniences when driving in another country.
Reviewing this validity ensures that your permit is valid throughout your stay and complies with the regulations of the country you will visit.
Verify validity before the trip
You must confirm that you international license it has not expired and the validity coincides with the dates of your trip. This avoids penalties and legal problems.
Remember that the international license usually has one maximum duration of one year, and this cannot exceed the expiration date of your national license.
If your permit is about to expire, consider renewing both documents before traveling to maintain legal driving.
Comply with local driving regulations
Each country has specific traffic laws that you must follow, even when using a valid international license, to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Find out about speed limits, seat belt use, parking rules and other local regulations to avoid violations.
In addition, you must always carry your original national license along with the international license, as it is an essential requirement in many countries.
